LTC Michael Joseph Walsh USAF, Ret.

1927 - 2022

LTC Michael Joseph Walsh (retired, USAF)
Duty, Honor, Country
Surrounded by his loving family, Lt Col. Michael Joseph Walsh of San Antonio, Texas made his final flight home on the evening of July 8th, 2022, at the young age of 95.

Known by a variety of names: "Big Mike", "Martini Walsh", and call sign "Rummy" (among others, depending on the year, location, and assignment) was born in Fulton, Kentucky on January 2nd, 1927. Mike and his brothers served our country as aviators in the Army Air Corp, Air Force, and Marines. Mike served in the Army during WWII before his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, (Class of 1950). Post-graduation Mike joined the newly formed USAF and was deployed to active combat in the Korean War. While stationed in Laredo, Texas in 1957 he married Mary Stanton-Garcia. Mike then served two tours during the Vietnam War and afterward was assigned to Military Intelligence, with the honor of working in the US Embassy Attaché Corp in Rangoon, Burma. His last Military assignment brought him to Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas, where he firmly planted his roots after retiring. He was a humble man despite his many intellectual and career accomplishments.

Ever active, Mike pursued the oil and gas business where he founded and operated his own oil exploration company, invested in the stock market, and enjoyed his family, who were his
greatest treasure. In his second retirement Mike and Mary enjoyed well deserved relaxation time, touring extensively around the world on cruise ships.

Mike was a die-hard St Louis Cardinals baseball and Dallas Cowboys football fan; however, his passion was the annual Army-Navy football game. Win or lose, he was so proud of his Cadets –
Go Army! Beat Navy!!!

Mike will always be remembered as a true Renaissance Man. He fished when he could, golfed (until a back injury stopped that "incredibly frustrating game"), and played tennis into his 80s. He
was an art, classical music (emphasis on opera), and poker aficionado. He valued education, humor, and living honestly. He was truly a friend to all and will truly be missed by many.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Leo and Iva Violet (Showers) Walsh, brother, Thomas C Walsh, Sister-in-Law Elizabeth Walsh, Brother-in-Law Gene Goebel, and
nephew, Thomas David Walsh. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Stanton Walsh, son Michael Thomas Walsh and wife Virginia, daughter Kathryn Walsh Gonzalez and
husband Pablo Gonzalez, son Lloyd Joseph Walsh, and three grandsons: Paul Wagner, Leland Walsh, and Andrew Walsh. He is survived by his beloved siblings, Patricia Goebel, Denis
Walsh, and his many nephews, nieces and their families.

Graveside service will be held August 3, 2022, 1045 hrs. at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas at Pavilion 5.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
requiescat in pace